Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam takes action against non-hindu employees

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant move to maintain the spiritual sanctity of the Tirupati Balaji temple the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), the governing body of the temple has decided to remove 18 non-Hindu employees for allegedly participating in non-Hindu religious activities during temple festivals and rituals. This decision follows directives issued by TTD chairman BR Naidu, who emphasized the importance of preserving the temple’s religious integrity.

Non-Hindus Barred from Temple Administration

A proposal passed at the TTD board meeting outlines that these employees, who were recruited during the tenure of the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in Andhra Pradesh, will now have the option to either be transferred to other government departments or opt for voluntary retirement (VRS). The new directive mandates that non-Hindu individuals should not be involved in the administration or religious rituals at the temple. This action has sparked debate and controversy, especially with the change in government leadership, as Chandrababu Naidu's government now holds power in the state.

Controversy Over Recruitment Practices

The recruitment of non-Hindu employees has been a matter of contention since the new administration came into power. The TTD had raised concerns over the involvement of people from different religious backgrounds in temple affairs, which led to the decision to remove them. The issue has been ongoing since November 2024, when the TTD Trust Board formally decided to take action and relocate non-Hindu employees to other departments within the Andhra Pradesh government.

This move has ignited discussions surrounding the role of non-Hindu employees in religious institutions, highlighting the balance between tradition, inclusivity and the religious objectives of temple administration.